It’s been so long since I’ve been here and I’ve missed it like mad! My life has changed quite a bit, what with a new day job and the month-long training that went with it. Yup, I’ve been holed up in a new town learning accounting and other soft-skills. It’s been really exciting, but I’m glad I can finally resume blogging :D

Muse Origins has also really taken off online. We’re in the process of creating our brand and practicing our selling skills via our retail store. Believe me, we’ve got stories to tell. I’ll probably share some of those on our Facebook Page so stay tuned.

Thing is, I’m making a few changes with the blog. I’ll be moving to wordpress finally now (like I wanted to initially). This is mainly because I need to manage my time and activities a lot better. Also, the blog is going to become something special, and collating the Features with other aspects that are coming up is an integral part of the plan.

I’m still very much on blogger though cause I’ll be using the blogroll religiously. With the new job and all (technically, 2 jobs) I may not be able to comment everytime. But rest assured that I’m reading cause i’m officially addicted to my Blogfam.

I’d like to thank all of you that checked up on me via emails and twitter. Huge kisses and hugs to you! I got two awards recently so I’ll just use this opportunity to answer them. I’m tagging everybody who happens to read this, so you guys please write away! Here goes mine:

1. I’m pretty tiny, but I always forget how tiny I am till I pass under a ridiculously low hanging branch
2. I love movies- thrillers and horror
3. I’ve been on the same weight since 2001
4. The first rap artist I really listened to was Eminem (his Marshal Mathers LP album)
5. I’m kinda quite….but I’m not. Yeah, I’m confused about this too
6. It took me a long long while to figure out what I wanted to do with my career
7. I love photography

Then I get to answer the following:

Favourite colour: Definitely black
Favourite song: Wow! Way too many
Favourite desert: Ice cream, no doubt
Biggest pet peeve: People with blatantly fake accents
When you are upset, you: Eat
Your favourite pet: Garfield
Black or white: Black!!
Biggest Fear: Not making it
Best feature: Smile?
Everyday attitude: Calm
What is perfection: Lying in bed on a rainy morning, with a blanket and snacks, watching a movie
Guilty pleasure: Watching dance movies

Thanks a lot for the tag girls! And remember, once you read this, you're tagged :D

You can check out more Features on the 'new' blog Muse Origins. Looking forward to more posts from you as well

Saturday, August 27, 2011

I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon Bash Art Gallery; it was such a breath of fresh air. Bash is a young, talented and passionate artist from Kano state. He translates his love for his Northern heritage into his art. And you have to admit, his art is beautiful (both in terms of technique and creativity). He has read Art right through primary to tertiary school and has been involved in many national and international exhibitions.

The striking thing about Bash is that he understands that art is in everything- the air we breathe, the lovely landscapes we see and even in the sounds we can hear. To him, art is nature and art is life, so he has dedicated his life to creativity and artistic expression through paint.

"I use Art to keep reminding myself about my essence of living. 'Art is Life'". Check out some of his portraits:

Bash Art Gallery hosts many lovely paintings featuring landscapes, tie and dye designs, book illustrations, and of course, more portraits. Check out more of Bash's creations on his website. You can also reach him easily via email: bashart64@yahoo.com.

P.S. I have to apologize for not updating sooner- I've been having some pretty frustrating Internet woes. But nope, it's not an excuse. Sorry guys, hope you're alright.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

In this economy (and in fact world) where most people think mainly of themselves first, I'm always pleasantly surprised when I find someone that is doing something for others- especially when that something requires time, effort, and money.

Uchenna Ibeleme is one such person. He is freely giving his knowledge of music production to anyone who is interested. He does this through his blog Naija Audio Class. Uchenna started out not too long ago with a specific focus- teaching people how to produce music. He has been in the industry for almost a decade so he has extensive knowledge about the technicalities of production as well as insights into the music industry (and how to succeed in it).

I had the pleasure of asking him a couple of questions, and his responses tell us more about why he started out on this altruistic mission:

1)What inspired you to start these lessons? I started doing audio productions and making music about 8 years ago. I was based in Benin then. So as time went on and I got some clients, I was always asked to teach someone or explain what and how I was making those instrumentals. I found out most times, due to time factor, I was not able to really teach them everything. So I decided to start a blog where I can refer them to so they can go there and get tutorials and information. They are also encouraged to drop questions on what they would like to get answers on.

2)What is your vision for Naija Audio Class? My vision for Naija Audio Class is to create an avenue for upcoming producers to be able to interact with seasoned or experienced hands in the business. To allow them get tips, tricks and insights into how the business works. I also have a forum that is going to be dedicated to music production. This would allow for a closer experience with guys who can provide answers to any questions.

If you look at it, Uchenna, through his blog, is equipping interested parties with the skills to start out on their own, and to start out with quality. He recognized that many people are interested in producing, but most who produce are lacking in necessary technical skills. He aims to close this gap through his blog.

Please check out Naija Audio Class and help spread the word. Someone might need it! The Forum, which provides a platform for closer interaction, is also up and running now. Contact him here, or just send an email to admin@naijaaudioclass.com.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Pure Fashion Accessories is one of the African-inspired accessory lines that I’ve been loving (much like everybody else). Run by Raliat Fusigboye, who is a student of art and the creative designer, the company creates jewelries and other clothing items using traditional African fabrics like Aso Oke, Ankara, Adere, Kente, and other African print. They specialize in the conventional earrings, rings, necklaces, bangles, and hair clips. But they’ve added a different accessory to their line- the cutest African-inspired bow ties (for men and women) that you’ve ever seen.

Pure fashion doesn’t just limit themselves to African materials though; they also make jewelry in other fabric. What’s more, they create custom orders at affordable prices so you can contact them if you’re interested. They are based in Canada, UK, America and Nigeria.

For more information contact them via phone on 0750688376 or send them an email at rfusigboye@hotmail.com. Also, check out Raliat's blog and Pure Accessorie's Facebook Group.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Sugabelly was one of the blogs I started reading on Blogsville. I was hooked by her passion, love for her culture and Nigeria, and of course, her illustrations. She makes me really wish I was an artist .(I'm always green with envy anytime she has a drawing update). She is well known for her work on Nigerian Fiction and Nigerian Blog Awards. She also came up with the widely popular Language Challengewhich I'm too chicken to enter.

You can see a lot of her passions (e.g. for Nigeria, culture and natural hair) through her illustrations. She's got a story behind each one. She even names some characters and all this makes you feel like you understand what was going on in her head when she was creating them. Also, she describes the drawing process on her blog which makes it even more interesting when you see the finished process.

You can check out Sugabelly's blog here- it's worth the visit trust me. Also, see her Tumblr and Deviant Art. She accepts commissions as well so if you're interested, go here for more information. She's also on Facebook and Twitter so like and follow her. See her contact here.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

I stumbled on this awesome shop on Tumblr and was so impressed with their creations! They make the most awesome and creative tees. Citizins are all for the big bang.With their witty phrases and catchy beautiful graphics, wearing a Citizins tee is surely going to get you noticed. It's also going to make sure that everyone knows a little bit of your culture. You wear these tees to Represent. To make a statement.Check them out below:

Citizens create these lovely tees for both men and women. Visit their interesting blog for more of their tees and to see a little bit of who they are. Check out their online store at here or email them for an order at citizins@gmail.com. They're on Facebook too- just search for FB @ kojo owusu-kusi.

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Kind Request

Hello people! If you're Nigerian and own a creative business (with products of original design), or if you know of one, please send me an email on museorigins@gmail.com. I'll be happy to feature every one of them. Or, you could just contact me to say hello! :D

P.S. Ahem, i don't accept any fees for anything on this blog. And all photographs will be credited accordingly.